Operation Baaz Tsuka

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - Canadian soldiers and their allies launched a new military offensive in the dangerous Zhari and Panjwaii districts December 15th, 2006 , vowing to drive out the Taliban and deliver essential development assistance.

Dubbed Operation Baaz Tsuka, or Falcon's Summit, the campaign starts almost exactly three months after the conclusion of Operation Medusa, a brutal two-week fight with the Taliban in which five Canadian soldiers died. Led by Canadian troops, Operation Medusa was also staged in Panjwaii district, about 30 kilometres west of Kandahar city.

The new operation involves both International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops and Afghan National Security forces. It is intended to send a strong and direct message to the Taliban that the people of Afghanistan want them to leave, said British squadron leader and coalition spokesman Dave Marsh. Full Article.

ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) Release # 2006-382
Operation Baaz Tsuka secures two regions

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (20 December) – Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and ISAF, working together as part of Operation Baaz Tsuka, have secured the regions of Howz-e Madad and Zangabad. “Since the start of Operation Baaz Tsuka on Friday, the ANSF and ISAF can confirm that these two regions are secure,” said Squadron Leader Dave Marsh. “The next step is to bring in humanitarian aid and to set up a security zone with the aid of the tribal elders.”

As part of today’s operation, ISAF soldiers provided food, clothes, medical aid, and tools to approximately 400 villagers and displaced people in the southern region of Panjwayi. An ISAF doctor treated close to 50 patients for minor wounds and bruises. The displaced Afghans, who originated from Sperwan Ghar, Zangabad and Talukan, told ISAF soldiers during a recent Shura that they were forced to flee their homes months ago due to fighting.

ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) Release # 2006-383
Operation Baaz Tsuka provides continued security

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (21 December) – Nearly a week into Operation Baaz Tsuka, commanders from Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and ISAF are reporting progress on securing areas in Regional Command-South. Today’s efforts focused on meeting with the local population, conducting security and clearance patrols, and removing improvised explosive devices discovered along several traffic routes.

Engineers have also started constructing ANSF security check points as part of the long term goal of providing sustained security within the Panjwai and Zahre districts. “The security required in order to sustain long term stability within Panjwai and Zahre districts is progressing,” said Squadron Leader Dave Marsh, spokesperson for Regional Command-South. “The key to success is the collective consultation between the Government of Afghanistan, the ANSF, ISAF and most importantly, the tribal elders.”